By CHRIS JOHNSON

Assistant Sports Editor

Matthew Schleisman was a big part of Southern Cal's back-to-back state championships, and because of his efforts, he was named the Iowa Newspaper Association's Class A team captain.

Schleisman was listed as a defensive utility selection.

The Mustangs, who reached four consecutive semifinals in the UNI-Dome placed two others on the first team. Quarterback Greg Meyer (offensive utility) and Cole Blair (offensive line) were also on the squad.

Schleisman rushed for 1,097 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had four receiving touchdowns.

As strong as the senior was on offense, he was as good on defense and special teams. Schleisman led the Mustangs with 170 tackles, three interceptions and a defensive touchdown. He also returned two punts for touchdowns.

Meyer, who scored the winning two-point conversion for the second consecutive season, threw for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for eight touchdowns.

After reaching the Class 1A semifinals for the second consecutive season, Prairie Valley placed two players on the first time in tight end Mike Martin and offensive lineman Justin Brinkman. Martin caught 31 balls for 821 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Also listed on the Class 1A first team was Manson Northwest Webster teammates Zach Steinhoff (wide receiver) and Kyle Twait (linebacker).

Steinhoff had 50 catches for 742 yards and five touchdowns. Twait had 79 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also threw for 1,165 yards and eight scores.

Emmetsburg's John Ruddy was a first team offensive lineman.

North Sentral Kossuth's Logan Johnson (offensive lineman) and Blake Pedersen (defensive back) were eight-man first team picks. Pedersen had 70 tackles and seven interceptions. He also ran for 1,169 yards and 17 scores.

Corwith-CWL's Jay Nissen (defensive lineman) and Twin River Valley's Levi Peters (linebacker) were also eight-man first team selections. Nissen had 88 tackles and Peters had 132 tackles.

Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer's Anthony Harrington was a Class 2A first team selection. Harrington had 92 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Prairie Valley landed offensive lineman Tucker Kehoe, quarterback Cole Jaeschke (1,799 yards, 28 touchdowns), running back Jon Elmore (1,810 yards, 25 touchdowns) and defensive lineman Nick Lantz (71 tackles) on the second team.

Earning Class 2A second team honors were Eagle Grove's Zach Boyer (offensive lineman), East Sac County defensive lineman Jake Kent (97 tackles) and Jefferson-JSPC defensive lineman Andy Carman (96 tackles).

Emmetsburg running back Joey Naig (1,728 yards, 18 touchdowns), offensive lineman Andy Wuebker was a Class 1A second team selection along with defensive lineman Howard Henkelvig (50 tackles).

In Class A, Southern Cal defensive lineman Keith Holm (87 tackles) was on the second team.

Corwith-CWL's Luke Wilhite (offensive lineman) and running back Jason Carroll (1,289 yards, 16 touchdowns) were on the eight-man second team along with North Sentral Kossuth wide receiver Brock Beadle (745 yards, 11 touchdowns).

Eagle Grove quarterback Randy Wooster (1,286 passing yards, 14 touchdowns; 1,545 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns) and Eagle lineback Bryce Olson (136 tackles) were on the Class 2A third team.

Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer defensive lineman Caleb Peterson (48 tackles) and Humboldt defensive lineman Logan Schachtner (47 tackles) were on the third team in 2A.

Emmetsburg defensive lineman Tommy Kuecker (99 tackles, 10 rushing touchdowns) was on the 1A third team.

Bishop Garrigan punter Brett Capesius was on the A third team and West Bend-Mallard defensive lineman Andy Reisenberg (81 tackles) was on the eight-man third team.

Contact Chris Johnson at (515) 573-2141 or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net